Hive Five: Our Daily Listicle of Musical Musings

Hit-Boy, the musical architect behind the “N****s In Paris” phenomenon, has released a solo album. Available as a free download, the 11-track HITstory features the producer’s new BFFs like Kid Cudi and Bun B while also airing out his burgeoning rap skills. But what if you don’t have time to listen to an entire album? Helpfully, Hive has sifted through the project to hand-pick the five best tracks from HITstory. Make Kanye proud and pair them with a fish fillet for maximum listening pleasure.

1. “Jay-Z Interview”

In shades of Kanye’s rise to solo stardom, HITStory’s first break-out song has Hit-Boy telling the world he can hold it down both behind the boards and on the mic. Pertinent things revealed: ‘Ye, Hova and P Diddy have been blowing up his cellphone, Hit-Boy’s a big fan of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and he once got busy with a promiscuous lady up in the Mercer hotel.

2. “Old School Caddy”

Soulful business with rap-scatter Kid Cudi handling the final verse, “Old School Caddy” channels a charming ’90s vibe thanks to rolling pianos and rugged drum patterns.

3. “Busta Ass N****s” feat. Chip Tha Ripper & Bun B

An old-to-the-new team-up, veteran Southern rap chap Bun B closes out this eerie posse cut with consummate poise, with Hit-Boy and Cleveland cat Chip Tha Ripper dropping fiery verses to pave the way.

4. “Option” feat. Big Sean

Flexing his double-time chops, Hit-Boy attacks this vicious workout to tell the world how he’s “all about them zeros.” Then G.O.O.D. Music’s in-house janitor turns up to confess how he’s all about “mad white girls.” Balance!

5. “HITStory”

In the autobiographical title track, Hit-Boy recounts his days grinding on the down low over emotive piano notes and the possible background noise of a wailing cat. Emo-rap and proud of it!

http://youtu.be/JXWjQqfN4d4